Blackburn Rovers cruise past Derby County

Michael Appleton picked up his first win as Blackburn Rovers manager this afternoon, registering a 3-0 success against Derby County in the FA Cup.

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Rovers profited from some sloppy Derby defending to open the scoring just before the interval through Colin Kazim-Richards.

Richard Keogh was the man at fault for County as he completely missed an attempted clearance to allow Kazim-Richards time and space to slot home the opening goal.

Derby tried to respond after the break and controlled possession without putting Jake Kean's goal under constant pressure.

Jamie Ward forced Kean to save a free kick early in the second half just before Jordan Rhodes had a goal disallowed for offside.

Scott Dann put the tie beyond doubt on 66 minutes with a thumping strike after Derby failed to clear Danny Murphy's corner.

Rhodes took advantage of more slack Derby defending to add his name to the scoresheet late and put Blackburn's place in the last 16 beyond doubt.